CHAPTER ONE

                                                  INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

Mathematics is a compulsory subject which cut across every human facet, and is equally used in every field of human endeavor; it also play a dominant role in the economic development of a country. The significance of Mathematics in producing versatile and resourceful leaders that are needed for economic development cannot be over emphasized. This is why Setidisho (2000), affirmed that Mathematics is a fundamental science that is necessary for the understanding of most other fields in education. Setidsho stressed further that, it is obvious that no other subject forms such a strong force among the various branches of science. Therefore, it can rightly be said that the significance of Mathematics in producing versatile and resourceful leader that are needed for economic development cannot be over-emphasized.

Odusoro (2002) said that the knowledge of science remains superficial without Mathematics. It has been recorded that less than 20% of students venture into mathematics as their discipline. The West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) according to Adenipekun (2017) said that only 26.01 percent , obtained credit in Mathematics, while the remaining candidates failed. Adenipekun disclosed that the result showed a decline in the percentage of candidates who made credit in mathematics, compared to the last two years. The study of mathematics is generally considered as a basic preparation for every informed citizen because it serves as a gateway into almost all the career choices in life (Ambrose 2003). This may be why Soyemi (2005) said that everybody uses Mathematics in one way or the other in solving real-life problems. Obodo (2006) defined Mathematics as the study of size, numbers, shape, changes with the relationship between them. This is why nations that desire to forge ahead scientifically and technologically cannot afford to toy with the Mathematical knowledge of her citizenry. This may be why stakeholders in mathematics Education always show concern about students’ mass failure in the subject at the public examinations. Despite the importance of mathematics, learners continue to fail the subject(Feza, 2012). Maree,(2006) reveal that the failure rate in mathematics in schools is unacceptably high.

Despite the importance attached to the knowledge of mathematics, it must be understood that mathematics is mostly poorly performed subject in the secondary schools today. This is based on the fact that mathematical concept are sometimes not presented well and interesting. It has become discouraging to note that, the poor  use of audiovisual materials affects students performance negatively  ,in different mathematical concepts.  some of which is  geometry, which deals with shapes and can be taught with different mathematical aids, such as the use of fun mathematics, computer game, mathematics game etc. The use of mathematics games such as geoboard games can make mathematics teaching and learning very interactive, interesting, promote retention and aid student based learning where the students are exposed to real shapes and designs, where the students can make use of the rubber bands to map out different shapes on their own. Sadly enough most teachers don't make use of audiovisual materials; some are not computer literate, which brings a very big gap in the understanding of the students.

The notion among students that mathematics is an abstract and difficult subject can be attributed to the fact that mathematics teachers do not frequently make use of audiovisual materials.

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